3rd Down

[RickyWilliams]

What I don't understand is why our defense seems to look good on first and second down then disappear on third downs. It doesn't seem to matter if it's 3rd and 2, or 3rd and 15 the opposing offenses always pick up the first with ease. Most of the time the only way we get off the field is when the offense beats itself. I'll tell you it drives me absolutely crazy to watch it happen over and over throughout the game, but I don't understand why it happens. I think our season will be defined by our 3rd down % this year on defense. Anyone have any explanations as to why you think we break down on 3rd down? :shakeno:

 

[Drfletcherdc]

It was only the first preseason game that we didn't plan for - I'm going to wait until the third preseason game before I panic.

 

[RickyWilliams]

I understand, but I'm not going off of last weeks game, more like the past 25 games.

 

[emeraldfin]

What I don't understand is why our defense seems to look good on first and second down then disappear on third downs. It doesn't seem to matter if it's 3rd and 2, or 3rd and 15 the opposing offenses always pick up the first with ease. Most of the time the only way we get off the field is when the offense beats itself. I'll tell you it drives me absolutely crazy to watch it happen over and over throughout the game, but I don't understand why it happens. I think our season will be defined by our 3rd down % this year on defense. Anyone have any explanations as to why you think we break down on 3rd down? :shakeno:

I'm shocked that username was'nt taken till Jan of this year.

 

[emocomputerjock]

I don't think they were contesting the stuff underneath last week at all when the 2nd/3rd teamers were in. The first team defense did well. I wouldn't worry about what we're seeing in preseason games just yet.

 

[Spiff]

What I don't understand is why our defense seems to look good on first and second down then disappear on third downs. It doesn't seem to matter if it's 3rd and 2, or 3rd and 15 the opposing offenses always pick up the first with ease. Most of the time the only way we get off the field is when the offense beats itself. I'll tell you it drives me absolutely crazy to watch it happen over and over throughout the game, but I don't understand why it happens. I think our season will be defined by our 3rd down % this year on defense. Anyone have any explanations as to why you think we break down on 3rd down? :shakeno:

I'm with you. That's a thing I noted as well the past couple of years. To me it seemed that no matter how far the opposing teams had to go on 3rd down, they would always make it.It went that far, I even told my friends before the 3rd down was played "3rd and 65? Well, not a problem against our defense". Terrible thing to watch. I hope it will change this season.

 

[XXXSURTAINXXX]

I'd say it has alot to do with 3rd down personnel. Youhave a different defensive package on the field at that time. Maybe they need to improve.

or

Maybe they are just evaluating various talents on 3rd down trying to find the right fit....It is pre-season.

or

Maybe we suq on 3rd downs....hell maybe we miss Zach Thomas and it made my stomach turned to see him fielding punts for the Dallas Cowboys.....and it made me even sicker to see him say he has something to prove and he is re-energized now that he is in Dallas.......It's like he found a better woman.

 

[SpaceMountain16]

Yeah the third down defense has been a problem for many years with this team. I guess it's because over the years we've had quite a few defensive players who are older, and tire easily. Now we have a group of new young guys, who hopefully will stay fresh, provide pressure to the QB for an entire game on EVERY down and not wear down by the end of it or at the end of drives. It will be a big key to get that constant pressure on QB's since our secondary is probably another key weakness on this team.

 

[ricky williams]

I'm shocked that username was'nt taken till Jan of this year.

:)

 

[Dolfandenny]

I wish Zack could or would have stayed but its really scarry how easy he could have permenant damage with one more concusion. I am glad he is doing well tho. Great player, dedicated too the game.